Purple Flag

Managed by the Association of Town and City Management (ATCM), the Purple Flag accreditation was renewed following an assessment conducted by assessors in November 2023 which saw the city’s three BIDs (LQ BID, Belfast One, Destination CQ) play a crucial role in overseeing and funding the application process, which included research, internal assessment, and gathering stakeholder feedback.

ATCM market research indicates that stakeholders believe Purple Flag status brings numerous benefits including a raised profile, improved public image, wider patronage, increased expenditure, lower crime rates, and a more successful mixed-use economy.

Successes noted in Belfast’s submission include the non-profit indoor park created in community hub 2 Royal Avenue, outstanding achievements of the Community Rescue Service, and coordination between police, volunteer groups, and businesses. One of the key areas for improvement is late night transport, with the current provision in Belfast lagging behind other comparable cities.

The Purple Flag Steering Group will continue to meet quarterly to advance solutions to some of the issues flagged in the Purple Flag Report.

For more information email stephen@linenquarter.org

The Purple Flag assessment has been funded by the city’s three Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) – Linen Quarter BID, Belfast One and Destination CQ and supported by a multi-agency steering group including Translink, Belfast City Council, the PSNI including its City Centre Beat, Street Beat Team and Licensing Officer, Hospitality Ulster, Value Cabs, Belfast Chamber of Commerce, and successful hospitality operator, Michael Stewart.